ASDE-X now complete at 35 US airports

Saab Sensis has completed deployment of Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X), at 35 airports under a contract with the US Federal Aviation Administration that dates back to 2000.

More than a decade ago FAA selected Sensis to deploy the system at 25 US airports and later expanded the agreement to 35 facilities.

ASDE-X enhances runway safety by capturing data from a variety of sources to enable air traffic controllers to detect potential safety conflicts. The system uses surface movement radar located in air traffic control towers and remote towers, multilateration sensors, automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B), terminal automation systems and aircraft transponders. All this allows ASDE-X to determine the position and identification of aircraft and transponder-equipped vehicles on the airport surface, and aircraft flying within five miles of an airport.

Nearly two years ago FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said the agency's goal was to continue ASDE-X expansion. He stated at that time the technology was far beyond the prototype stage, and less expensive to produce.

ASDE-X also serves as the surveillance infrastructure for the FAA's Runway Safety Lights Programme, which Saab Sensis is deploying at 23 US airports.